2 US Troops Killed, More Wounded in Iraq

Troops board a plane at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on April 7, 2016, on their way to participate in Operation Inherent Resolve. Two more U.S. servicemembers have died in support of the operation. (US Air Force photo/Timothy Kim)
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"The entire counter-ISIS coalition sends our deepest condolences to these heroes' families, friends and teammates," Townsend said in a statement. "There are no words to describe the respect I have for you and sorrow I have for your loss. I hope there is some small solace in knowing their loss has meaning for our country and all the nations of the coalition."

After a nine-month battle to oust ISIS from its last urban stronghold in Mosul, Iraqi forces -- closely supported by the U.S.-led coalition -- are preparing to retake the ISIS-held town of Tal Afar west of the city.

The latest deaths bring to nine the number of Americans killed supporting Operation Inherent Resolve this year, including noncombat deaths. Nearly 50 Americans have been wounded in action since the anti-ISIS campaign began in August 2014, according to Pentagon data.